New Montgomery County Recreational Trails Committee hosting 3 community events

The Montgomery County Recreational Trails Committee is hosting a Three Community Trails Bike or Walking event on Friday, Aug. 20 and Saturday, Aug. 21, in Red Oak, Stanton and Villisca.

The first community event, the Every Street Bike Ride, will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20 at the Villisca park shelter house, located at the intersection of 3rd Street, and 3rd Avenue.

Lasting roughly an hour, the ride will take riders down and up every street and avenue in Villisca. Participants may also choose to ride only streets or avenues, either of which lasts roughly 40 minutes. There will also be a 2-mile and a ¾-mile walking route. Each community will have a separate route for biking and walking. Helmets are not required for biking, but are encouraged.

The following morning, Aug. 21, the ride (or walk) hits Stanton’s Greenbelt Trail. It begins between 8 and 9 a.m. at Anderson Park. Participants will be able to visit the Swedish Heritage and Cultural Center and enjoy a cup of coffee and pastries or lunch at the Fika Coffee Hus.

At 2:30 p.m., the event moves to Red Oak for the Historic Heritage Hill ride or walk including the WWII depot museum, and the scenic Red Oak Trail. The ride begins at the Montgomery County Courthouse at 2nd and Coolbaugh Streets and ends at the Five One 8 Building at the northeast corner of Fountain Square Park, where music and drinks will await.

Those that participate in all three communities will receive a free commemorative T-shirt. Those who choose to do only one or two segments can make a suggested donation in order to receive a T-shirt.

The purpose of the event is to introduce the area to the new Montgomery County Recreational Trails Committee, which is working on connecting the county through a new system of trails.

Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. You can register at Montgomery County Recreational Trails Face book page.

There is no cost to participate.